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MND Care Centre Website
What is Motor Neurone Disease?
Motor neurone disease is the name given to a group of related illnesses affecting the motor neurones of the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurones are nerve cells which control movement, and it is these cells which degenerate causing muscle wasting and weakness which is characteristic of MND. The areas that are affected and the rate of progression varies and each person can experience different symptoms.
The areas usualy affected are the arms and hands, legs and feet, and speech and swallowing. Breathing is affected by the disease.
MND ususally affects people who are over 50 yrs of age however younger people can be affected although this is rare. There are around 500 people living with the disease in the UK at an one time with around 60 in the Leeds area.